History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
MICHAEL BROWN
Now living in his native township, was born May 15, 1827, the youngest of four children born to Michael and Susanna (Motsinger) Brown, who were natives of North Carolina, from whence they came with other members of the Brown family to Indiana Territory, in 1811, settling on the farm now owned by our subject. Here he was reared amidst the pioneer scenes and incidents of backwoods life in the Hoosier State, receiving but a limited education from the old-fashioned subscription schools. In the month of August, 1845, his union with Lucinda Jones was solemnized, and ten children have crowned their union, these yet living: Jemima, Mary, Jacob, Hannah,
Susanna, James M. and Elmira M. Mr. Brown is one of Pierce Township's well known and successful farmers, owning at present 142 acres of fairly improved land. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Brown, who bravely aided her husband in his efforts to make a home for his family, died April 12, 1882.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
WILLIAM B. CAUBLE
A native of the county in which he now resides, and a well-to-do farmer of Pierce Township, was born September 12, 1830, the second child of Peter and Margaret (Brown) Cauble. Peter Cauble was a native of the Old North State, where his birth occurred in about the year 1797. He came to Washington County when it was yet a new and wild country, and during the war of 1812 served as a teamster. He acted as Justice of the Peace for many years, was a member of the Christian Church, and his wife, to whom he was married in 1826, belonged to the Presbyterian Church. With the exception of two years spent in Nebraska, William B. has always resided in his native county. His early life was passed on this father's farm and attending the district schools; and when man grown, learned the carpenter's trade. He has worked hard, and by diligence and economy has secured a good farm of 425 acres. In 1869 he was united in matrimony with Miss Margaret E. Souder, daughter of Frederick and Polly (Click) Souder, and by her is the father of three children, named, Franklin P., Thomas T. and Peter F. Mr. Cauble is a Democrat, and is one of Pierce Township's best citizens.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
THOMAS GRAVES
The seventh in a family of eleven children born to John and Margaret (Brookshire) Graves, who were natives of Randolph County, North Carolina, was born April 21, 1823, in the same county as his parents. In 1849 the family came to Washington County, Ind., and here the parents of our subject died. Thomas Graves remained on a farm in Montgomery County, this state, until about twenty-six years of age, in youth receiving only such education as was obtainable at that early day. May 14, 1850, his marriage with Amanda Cravens was solemnized, and two children were born to them, only one--William A.--who was born August 18, 1851, and married Mary Elrod, yet living; James A., born August 27, 1854, and died April 1, 1860, is the one deceased. July 3, 1865, the mother died, and November 22, 1866, Mr. Graves married Elizabeth Baker, by whom he is the father of these two children: Clara E., born February 14, 1869, and Woodford, born January 5, 1873, and died October 16, 1878. As a farmer Mr. Graves has been hard working and economical, and by industry has secured 500 acres of land. In politics he acts in harmony with the Republican party, whose principles he advocates.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
WADE GRAVES
A prosperous citizen of Pierce Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ind., April 18, 1830, the tenth of twelve children born to John and Margaret (Brookshire) Graves, natives of Randolph County, North Carolina, who came to this State in 1829, first settling in Montgomery County, moving thence to Washington, where both Mr. and Mrs. Graved died. Wade remained on the farm of his parents until twenty-two years of age, receiving such education as could be obtained at that early period. May 8, 1851, his marriage with Melinda Tash was solemnized and they are parents of eight children; of these seven are yet living: Candace A., Joseph H., Rhoda J., Miranda, Ella, Charles and John. He has always followed the pursuit of farming, in which he has ben quite successful, now owning 319 1/2 acres of well improved land. His political views are Republican, in the interest of which party he is a zealous worker.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
SOLOMON LOCKENOUR
A native of Franklin Township, Washington Co., Ind., was born October 23, 1817, the fifth child in a family of ten children born to John and Elizabeth (Motsinger) Lockenour, natives of North Carolina, who came to this State about the year 1812, locating near where Farabee Station is now situated. Solomon received a limited education in the primitive log-schoolhouse of his day, and at the age of eighteen went to work on a Government snag-boat. In August, 1840, he was wedded to Catherine Wilson, and to their union a large family of children were born, the following now living: Francis M., Barbara E., Leander, Jerome W. (who is in the United States Regular Army), Matilda, Hannah, Rosanna, Charles and Alice. Mr. Lockenour has always followed agricultural pursuits, in which vocation he has been quite successful, and is now proprietor of 160 acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Lockenour always contribute generously to the enterprises of the Christian Church, of which they are members. Mr. Lockenour is a Republican, and takes a live interest in the affairs of his party.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
ANDERSON MARTIN
A native of Pierce Township, this county, was born January 1, 1824. He received a good common school education in youth, and assisted his parents on the home farm until the age of twenty-six years, since when he has been engaged in farming on his own responsibility. That his efforts have met with success is demonstrated by a well improved farm of 320 acres, which is well stocked, owned by Mr. Martin. He is one of the township's progressive and enterprising Republicans, and himself and wife are members of the Christian Church. January 1, 1850, he married Lucinda Goss, and the following named of their five children are yet living: America L., Gilbert P., Augustus W. and Oliver P. S. Enoch and Elizabeth (Davis) Martin, parents of the subject of this memoir, were natives of Kentucky, from whence they moved to Indiana in about 1820, locating on the farm now owned by Anderson Martin, their oldest son. They were honest and industrious people.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
ISAAC H. MARTIN
A native of Jackson Township, this county, was born May 14, 1833, the third in a family of ten children born to Stephen and Nancy (Heistand) Martin, who were natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia, and came to this State at an early day. Isaac received but little education, as such advantages were limited at that period. He remained on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-four, when he married Candace S. Hamilton, and to the union the following children have been born: Lillie B., N. S., Carrie M., Virgil C., Homer and Merdella L. His occupation is principally buying and shipping stock, in which he deals quite extensively, also owning and carrying on a farm of 450 acres, in both of which pursuits he has been quite successful. In politics he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the affairs of his party. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Christian Church.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
NELSON MARKLAND
Is a native of Rowan County, N.C., born April 7, 1810, the youngest of ten children born to Nathaniel and Susan (Boler) Markland, who were also natives of the Old North State and of English descent. Nelson assisted his parents on the home farm until he attained majority, during which time he received such education as the primitive facilities of his day afforded. In June, 1831, he arrived in Washington County, where he has ever since resided, following the occupation of farming in which, together with stock-raising, he has been very successful, now owning 160 acres of land. In politics he has always been an active Democrat. August 8, 1833, he married Elizabeth Bush, and to them have been born ten children. Mr. and
Mrs. Markland are members of the Christian Church and have always contributed liberally to any charitable purposes of any institution which has for its object the moral improvement of the community. The names of their children are: John, Eliza, Nancy C., Sarah A., Susan M., William D., Milton G., James M., Amanda J. and Charles F.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JOHN B. MARKLAND
One of Pierce Township's most prosperous farmers, was born May 10, 1834, the oldest of ten children born to Nelson and Elizabeth (Bush) Markland, natives respectively of North Carolina and Indiana, the former a resident of this township since 1830. He left home at the age of twenty-five to engage in business pursuits for himself and was, shortly after, married to Delilah J. Hinds, by whom he is the father of six children, of whom these five are living: Laura M., Frank H., Stephen N., Mary E. and Lulu E. His occupation has always been principally farming, and now owns 320 acres of good land, also being engaged in stock-raising to a considerable extent. In politics he is an adherent to the principles of Democracy. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church of which organization Mr. Markland is now an Elder.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
NATHAN MOTSINGER
A native of the township and county in which he now resides, was born December 28, 1821, being the oldest and only one now living of four children born to John and Delilah (Harmon) Motsinger, the former of German and the latter of Irish descent. In 1809, John Motsinger, together with his parents, immigrated to Indiana territory, locating on the farm now owned by Michael Brown in this township. When thirteen years of age, Nathan's father died and he was bound out to George W. Waltz, under whom he received but a limited education. May 9, 1844, he married Melinda Crouch, by whom he is the father of thirteen children, the following named yet living: Delilah M., Mary J., Sarah E., Michael G., Eliza B., William O., Amanda A. and Junietta, the two latter being twins. Mr. Motsinger began life's battle a poor boy and is one of the self-made men of this township. He owns 168 acres of nicely improved property, is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Masonic fraternity and is one of Washington County's best citizens.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
THOMAS RATTS
He was born on an adjoining farm to the one he now owns in Pierce Township, this county, December 14, 1825, a son of Rinehart and Susanna (Yarborough) Ratts, both of whom were natives of North Carolina and of German descent paternally. In about 1823 the father of Thomas, together with his family came by wagon from his native State and settled in northern Pierce Township, but a year later moved to the place where Thomas was born and where Mr. Ratts died in 1873. His widow died at the home of a son in Illinois, in May, 1884. These old pioneers were among the honest and industrious citizens of the county, and after living a long life of usefulness and passing through many of the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life they died after seeing the many blessing that resulted from their labors of many years. Thomas is the third born in a family of fifteen children, only nine of whom are yet living. He was raised, as were the majority of the pioneer boys of his day, to hard work at clearing, planting and reaping, and a few months' attendance at the old-fashioned log schools. He married Sarah J. Johnson, December 31, 1846, who died in 1860, after bearing four children, only two--Rinehart J. and John N.--yet living. In February, 1863, Mr. Ratts married Susan Leach, his present wife, by whom he is the father of three children, these two yet living: Hester C. and George V. Mr. Ratts has passed his entire life at farming and hard work. With the exception of about $500 which was given him by his father at different times, he has made what he now owns--a fairly improved farm of 288 acres--by the greater part of his own exertions. He has endeavored to share with his neighbors the support of all laudable public enterprises; is a member of the Christian Church, as is also his wife, and is a Republican in politics.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
HON. ERASMUS W. SHANKS
Son of William and Hannah E. (Cravens) Shanks, natives of Virginia,
but for many years residents of this State, was born January 8, 1824, in Clark County, this State, the fourth in a family of ten children. He with his parents removed to Washington County in 1824. Remaining with them through his youth and early manhood he received a practical common school education. October 24, 1844, he married Joanna Brewer, by whom he was father of nine children, seven of whom are now living: Ann C., Ellen V., Charles F., Manson C., Mary E., Cassa B. and Hannah E. The three last named are at home. The occupation of Mr. Shanks has always been that of farming, in which he has been very successful, owning at present 532 acres of land, 240 of which lie in Kansas. He also gives much of his attention to stock-raising. In politics he is a Democrat, and has twice been the choice of the people of his township for Trustee. In 1867 he represented the county in the State Legislature in the lower House and is now the nominee of his party for the same position. Mr. and Mrs. Shanks are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, lending their aid to all charitable enterprises intended to promote the moral improvement of their community.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
RANSOM SHEPHERD
A son of Thomas and Nancy (Hensley) Shepherd, who came from their native State--Kentucky--to this county in 1813, locating on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, was born June 7, 1836, and is the youngest of ten children. Here his parents passed through all the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life, and where they finally died; Mr. Shepherd, October 9, 1867, and Mrs. Shepherd, September 21, 1882. Ransom's early years were passed in attending the common schools of the neighborhood, and, following in the footsteps of his father, has always made farming his occupation. In this he has been somewhat fortunate as he now owns 240 acres of good farming and grazing land. In politics he supports the Republican ticket, and in religion he and wife belong to the Christian Church. His marriage with Nancy C. Markland was solemnized November 8, 1860, and the Markland as well as the Shepherd family are among the oldest of Washington County.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
ALLEN J. SHERRILL
A native of Burke County, N.C., was born October 7, 1826, being the
third in a family of seven children born to John and Sarah (Allen) Sherrill, who were also natives of North Carolina, immigrating to Lawrence County, Ind., in 1830, where they resided until their respective deaths, which occurred September 27, 1879, and June 16, 1835. John Sherrill was born April 19, 1799, and his wife April 7, 1800. Allen J., at twenty-five years of age, left home to begin life's battle on his own responsibility, and selecting agricultural pursuits as his vocation has steadily followed that, and now owns 161 acres of well improved land. August 9, 1862, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company G, Seventy-seventh Indiana Volunteers (Fourth Indiana Cavalry), and July 7, 1865, was honorably discharged in Tennessee. Mr. Sherrill was in a number of hard campaigns and hotly contested battles, among the latter being Chattanooga and Stone River. November 12, 1865, he married Nancy A. Foster, who bore him six children, these named yet living: Samuel C., Bertha D., Ida M. and Wesley E. January 31, 1875, Mrs. Sherrill died, and July 24, 1879, Mr. Sherrill married Mrs. Mary A.(Hayburn) Brown, by whom he is the father of Arthur J., Edna P. and Edith B. He is a Democrat and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
CHRISTOPHER SOUDER
A native of this county, was born February 19, 1834, the oldest of five children born to John and Mary (Morris) Souder. His father, a native of Tennessee, was born December 15, 1808, came to Indiana the same year it became a State, where he and wife were married in about the year 1831. Mrs. Souder was born in the Old North State November 12, 1811, and in the year 1819 came with her parents to Indiana. The subject of this sketch received but limited educational advantages in youth, and until the age of twenty-seven years remained at home assisting his parents. March 11, 1861, he wedded Mary J. Tash, by whom he became the father of five children, of whom only one--Dawson E.--is now living, aged thirteen years. Mr. Souder's principal occupation has been that of farming, and by diligence he has earned 210 acres of land, a portion of which is situated in Clark County. He is a Democrat, and he and wife belong to the Christian Church.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
DANIEL H. SMITH
A prominent citizen of Pierce Township, is a native of Vernon Township, his county, born March 31, 1834, the fifth in a family of ten children born to Andrew and Mary (Hole) Smith, natives respectively of North Carolina and Ohio, both having come to this State at an early day. Daniel, on account of delicate health in youth, received but a limited education. He remained on the farm with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-five, and in 1861 was married to Elizabeth C. Hinds, and to their union four children were born, three of whom are now living: Mary C., Emma E. and Samuel; Delilah is the one deceased. The occupation of our subject has always been that of farming, in which he has been very successful, now owning 160 acres of well improved land. He is also engaged to some extent in the rearing of stock. In politics he is a Democrat, actively interested in the political affairs of that community in which he lives, and is one of the well-known citizens of the county.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
KING TRAINER
A successful farmer and stock-raiser of Pierce Township, is a native
of Chester County, Penn.; was born March 8, 1813, the oldest in a family of thirteen children born to Abram and Elizabeth (Johnson) Trainer, who were also natives of the Keystone State. At the age of sixteen he was bound out, according to the customs of that locality, until he reached his majority, to learn cabinet-making, which pursuit, with that of carpentering, he followed for seven years. In his youth, Mr. Trainer received a good practical education, and in the year 1840 immigrated to Lawrence County, this State, where he remained three years moving from there to Washington County where he has ever since resided. He was married December 25, 1830, to Sarah Ford, and by this union was father of a numerous family, of whom seven are now living; their names are: Joseph, Caroline, Amanda, Abram, Lewis F., Elizabeth A. and Charles W. In politics Mr. Trainer is a Republican, active and interested in the affairs of his party. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
HENRY H. WISEMAN
A native of the township and county in which he now resides, was born June 14, 1833, being the sixth of thirteen children born to Jacob and Polly (Ratts) Wiseman, who were natives of North Carolina but came to this State and county in 1824, locating on the farm now owned by James P. Hinds. He remained with his parents, assisting on the home farm, until twenty-three years old, receiving in youth a good practical education. March 13, 1856, Polly Zink became his wife, and the following named of their six children are now living: Eldora, Anna D., Lewellyn, James S., and Effie Maud. In politics, Mr. Wiseman is a stanch Republican and is one of the thorough-going and enterprising farmers of his township. He owns a good farm of 180 acres and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JEREMIAH C. CARESS
Of Brown Township, is a native os Washington County, Ind., and was
born October 10, 1838. His parents were Peter and Rachael (Worrall) Caress, who raised a family of eleven children, and of which Jeremiah was the third. The father was a native of Kentucky, and the mother of Indiana, the former's birth occurring in January, 1812, and the latter's April 30, 1819, and their deaths November 16, 1851, and October 12, 1874. Our subject received a common school education and remained at home on the farm with his parents until they died. Throughout life he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits with success, as his farm of 250 acres indicates. He devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He usually is active in the public affairs of the county, and in his township has been three times elected Justice of the Peace, which office he is now holding.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn